Minister Leishman to the Secretary of State.

No. 1179.]

Sir: Referring further to my dispatch, No. 1154, of September 14, 1905, in regard to the difficulties encountered at the custom-house by the importers of typewriting machines, I beg to inclose copy of a note just received from the Sublime Porte, which will probably do away with the troubles complained of by Messrs. Hammond and others.

* * * * * * *

I have, etc.,

John G. A. Leishman.
[Page 885]
[Inclosure.—Translation.]

The Minister for Foreign Affairs to Minister Leishman.

Mr. Minister: I have had the honor to receive the note which your excellency was good enough to address to me under date of September 4 last, No. 591, in relation to the difficulties which were raised by the customs authorities of Constantinople to the entry of American typewriting machines.

According to the information furnished by the “administration générate des contributions indirectes” no obstacle has been raised on this score. In fact, 21 machines which arrived the 10/23 May last, addressed to Mr. Biat, have been delivered. Very recently, also, 13 more cases containing these machines have arrived at the customs, but since the necessary bill of lading has not been produced and the consignee has not made application to the customs authorities the latter have naturally not been able to proceed with the regular examination.

As soon as he applies the usual formalities will be fulfilled, and after it has been shown by examination that the said machines are such as are employed in commercial houses and not lithographic machines for large work used exclusively in printing establishments they also will be delivered.

Please accept, etc.

Tewfik.